TLDR;
This sermon emphasizes the importance of striving for spiritual growth and change, inspired by the virtues of saints like Bishop Anthemos. It highlights God's immutable nature as the foundation for our ability to change and overcome vices. The speaker encourages listeners to embrace the opportunity for repentance and transformation, to love and support one another, and to seek God's grace to become the people they are called to be. Key points include:
- The example of Bishop Anthemos as a model of virtue and faith.
- God's immutability as the basis for our capacity for change.
- The call to overcome vices and embrace repentance.
- The importance of loving and supporting one another in the journey of faith.
- The power of prayer and intercession in transforming lives.
Introduction: Celebrating Bishop Anthemos [0:07]
The sermon begins with a celebration of the higher martyr Bishop Anthemos, whose relics are present. The speaker shares a description of Anthemos' virtues: a mortified body, humbled spirit, uprooted envy, subdued anger, banished sloth, love and peace with all, prudence, zeal for God's glory, and forthrightness. He challenges the congregation to reflect on whether they can honestly attribute such virtues to themselves, even just one, emphasizing the importance of reading the lives of the saints for encouragement and as a goal to strive towards.
The Immutable Nature of God and Our Ability to Change [1:11]
The speaker discusses the concept of God becoming man so that we might become like God, referencing Christ's incarnation. He explains that God's immutability—His unchanging nature—is a key attribute. God is all-powerful and all-knowing, yet He created man knowing the challenges that would arise. This immutability is essential because it provides the foundation for our ability to change. The speaker argues that we should never be stagnant in our lives and that the "enemy" seeks to trap us in vices to prevent growth and change.
Overcoming Vices and Trusting in God [3:12]
The sermon addresses the various vices that hinder personal transformation, such as smoking, drugs, and sexual passions, which are designed to keep individuals from changing. The speaker emphasizes that Christ changed the rules by overcoming death, and encourages listeners to trust God and not fall into despair, even in the face of persecution. He references the story of Bishop Anthemos, who encouraged Christians during a time of intense persecution in Nicomedia, urging them to remain faithful and trust in God.
The Unforgivable Sin and the Desire for a God That Fits Our Mold [4:24]
The speaker identifies blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as the only unforgivable sin, which involves denying God or Christ. He explains that those who accused Christ were corrupt and twisted the scriptures to fit their own desires, wanting a god that conformed to their expectations. The speaker notes that we all tend to do this, especially when faced with difficulties like divorces or sickness, leading us to turn away from God because we resist change.
God's Invitation and Our Opportunity to Change [5:47]
The sermon emphasizes that everything is possible with God, who offers everyone an opportunity to come to Him. Even those in seemingly impossible situations can find God if they have the desire. We cannot come to God unless we are called, and our ability to change allows us to become more than human, to become holy. The speaker references the prophet Elijah, who was taken out of the world before death due to his virtue, and stresses that God doesn't get angry when we turn away from Him but desires our complete devotion.
Repentance, a Clean Heart, and the Example of Bishop Anthemos [8:11]
The speaker urges listeners to recognize that their breath today is an opportunity to change, held back only by stubbornness. He encourages drawing close to God and asking for a clean heart, referencing King David's plea. The word "create" (bara) is associated with God's unique ability to bring something new into existence. The speaker then recounts the story of Bishop Anthemos, who, upon being confronted by the soldiers sent to arrest him, invited them into his home, ministered to them, and ultimately refused to let them lie to protect him.
The Martyrdom of Anthemos and the Power of Perfect Love [10:36]
The narrative continues with Anthemos converting all twenty soldiers to Christianity as he was led to prison. These soldiers were willing to change, embracing the truth and being baptized. Anthemos was eventually martyred for his faith. The speaker asserts that perfect love casts out fear, and when one is ready to be martyred for their faith, they will have no fear. He emphasizes God's limitless power to transform lives and create masterpieces beyond our imagination.
Theosis, Loving Each Other, and Avoiding Gossip [11:59]
The speaker shares a personal anecdote about his relationship with his wife, noting how they have both exceeded each other's expectations by working together through sins and passions, striving to be more Christlike. He explains that perfection (theosis) continues even after death, as the saints continually work towards it. God's justice and mercy are perfectly balanced, and we must learn to love each other in a way that glorifies God and avoids leading others to sin, including refraining from gossip.
The Opportunity to Change and Seeking God's Refreshment [14:41]
The sermon reiterates that being alive today means having an opportunity to change, which should be seized. Recognizing our shared condition as sinners, we should look to God for refreshment, as He is the well, the bread, the vine, and the shepherd. The speaker encourages struggling to love everyone we encounter.
A Personal Encounter and the Power of Prayer [15:21]
The speaker recounts an experience of giving money to a man begging on the street, who identified himself as Anthony. The speaker promised to pray for him, emphasizing that the prayer would be more valuable than the money. He concludes by urging listeners to serve God in all ways, glorify Him, and shine their light into the world, thanking God for the opportunity to become the people He calls us to be.